This week, important pro-gun bills progressed in their respective committees:
Senate Bill 1058/ House Bill 994, sponsored by state Senator Mark Green (R-22) and state Representative Curry Todd (R-95) respectively, would create a cause of action against an employer for discharge or adverse employment action based solely on transportation or storage of a firearm or firearm ammunition in an employer parking lot. SB 1058 advanced out of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and now awaits scheduling for consideration by the full Senate. HB 994 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now awaiting a hearing by the full House Civil Justice Committee. Please contact members of the Committee and urge them to support HB 994 when it comes up for a vote.
Senate Bill 1171/ House Bill 995, sponsored by state Senator John Stevens (R-24) and state Representative Mike Harrison (R-09) and Tilman Goins (R-10) respectively, would allow a person with a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm in any state, county, or municipal park or other recreation area. This legislation would also remove provisions allowing local governments to prohibit carrying in parks by resolution or ordinance. SB 1171 advanced out of the Senate Judiciary committee and now awaits scheduling for consideration by the full Senate. HB 995 currently awaits a hearing by the House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee. Please contact members of the Subcommittee and urge them to support HB 995 when it comes up for a vote.
Senate Bill 1103/ House Bill 1046, sponsored by state Senator Doug Overbey (R-2) and state Representative William Lamberth (R-44) respectively, would establish certain procedures regarding the disposition of confiscated or abandoned firearms in state or local custody, including the sale and destruction of such firearms. SB 1103 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2015. HB 1046 awaits its hearing in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on March 18, 2015. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Senate Bill 1215/ House Bill 1255, sponsored by state Senator Jack Johnson (R-23) and state Representative Charles Sargent (R-61) respectively, would require the chief law enforcement officer of a jurisdiction to certify the transfer or making of a firearm, as required by the National Firearms Act, within 15 days if the person is not prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm by law. This legislation also permits an applicant to appeal a denial to the circuit court. SB 1215 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 31, 2015. HB 1255 is scheduled to be heard in the House Civil Justice Committee on March 17, 2015. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Senate Bill 529/ House Bill 476, sponsored by state Senator Frank S. Nicely (R-8) and state Representative David Shepard (D-69) respectively, would exempt honorably discharged veterans from the renewal fee for handgun carry permits. SB 529 advanced out of the Senate Judiciary committee and has now been referred to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. HB 476 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now awaiting a hearing by the full House Civil Justice Committee. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Senate Bill 886/ House Bill 1304, sponsored by state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) and state Representative Mary Littleton (R-78) respectively, would establish certain procedures for the petitioning of a court for relief from firearms disabilities established for a prior judicial commitment or adjudication order for mental illness. SB 886 advanced out of the Senate Judiciary committee with amendments and has now been referred to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. HB 1304 is awaiting a hearing by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Senate Bill 70/ House Bill 481, sponsored by state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) and state Representative Judd Matheny (R-47) respectively, would clarify that it is not an offense for a person to transport and properly store a firearm in a motor vehicle parked on school property. SB 70 advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has now been referred to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. After being deferred multiple times, HB 481 still awaits consideration by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Senate Bill 149/ House Bill 173, sponsored by state Senator Mark Green (R-22) and state Representative Debra Moody (R-81) respectively, would remove the provision making it illegal to possess a firearm on any property used by a school for the administration of any public or private educational institution. SB 149 advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and now awaits scheduling for consideration by the full Senate. HB 173 will be reconsidered by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. Please contact members of the Subcommittee and urge them to support HB 173.
Senate Bill 700/ House Bill 745, sponsored by state Senator Frank S. Niceley (R-08) and state Representative John B. Holsclaw, Jr. (R-04) respectively, would create a lifetime handgun carry permit which entitles the permit holder to carry any handgun that the permit holder legally owns or possesses without expiration, and sets the application fee for a lifetime handgun carry permit at $750. SB 700 will be heard in front of the full Senate Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2015. HB 745 is scheduled to be heard by the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on March 18, 2015. Please contact members of each committee and urge them to support these legislative companions.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated as committee hearings and floor votes are scheduled. In the meantime, please contact your state Senator as well as your state Representative and urge them to support the above mentioned pro-gun legislation when it comes before them.